AT what appeared to be the crack of dawn but was actually 7am, 20 Civic Society members left Pershore for a day in the capital and a tour of our seat of government.

Having gone through airport style security am pleased to advise that we all passed muster and were greeted by our charming guide Frances who explained that as we were rather late our MP Harriett Baldwin had got caught up in a meeting but would try to make contact later.

We were given a whistlestop history of the building which was strategically important during the Middle Ages, being located on the banks of the River Thames. Known in medieval times as Thorney Island, it may have been originally used for a royal residence by Canute the Great during his reign from 1016 to 1035. The later building was completed in 1099 having begun in 1097 during the reign of William Rufus (son of William the Conqueror ) when the Palace of Westminster became the primary London residence of the Kings of England It was designed to host state occasions , banquets and entertainment and is still one of the largest mediaeval spaces in existence.

In 1399 Richard II had the roof replaced in Westminster Hall with an impressive hammer beam roof still in existence. However a fire destroyed much of the complex in 1512 and come 1834 after a turbulent history involving the trials of Guy Fawkes and King Charles I an even greater fire ravaged the heavily rebuilt Houses of Parliament. The only structures of significance to survive were Westminster Hall, the Cloisters of St Stephen's, the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and the Jewel Tower.

A competition was then held to find a new design, won by the architect Sir Charles Barry (designer of Highclere Castle) with Augustus Pugin responsible for the interior designs in the neo gothic style, the rebuilding taking 20 years.

We were then taken on a tour including St. Stephen’s Hall, the Central Lobby, Queens Robing Room, Royal Gallery not forgetting of course, the House of Lords.

Frances’ knowledge was phenomenal including pointing out the dents in the table in the House of Lords caused by Churchill banging his fist whilst wearing a signet ring when making a point and she patiently answered all our questions.

After we had gasped in wonder at the gilded ceilings, paintings, not to mention the throne covered in 22c gold, some popped into to see a debate in the House of Commons where the public is prevented from throwing things at MPs by a glass screen – spoil sports!

The remainder of the day was spent in a variety of differing ways around London by members before being transported safely back to Pershore, in comparison a haven of tranquillity!